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Related Concept Videos

Destabilization of Microtubules01:45

Destabilization of Microtubules

The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)01:42

Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)

Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated assembly and...
Microtubule Instability02:17

Microtubule Instability

Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated assembly and...
Anaphase A and B01:39

Anaphase A and B

Microtubules form through the end-to-end polymerization of tubulin heterodimers. Kinetochore microtubules originate from the spindle poles, and their plus-ends connect with the kinetochores on sister-chromatids. Ndc80 protein complexes, present on the kinetochore, form low-affinity links with the plus end of these kinetochore microtubules.
Plus-end depolymerization releases tubulin heterodimers from the terminal region of the microtubule. As tubulin subunits are lost, the Ndc80 complexes detach...
Microtubules01:18

Microtubules

Microtubules are the thickest cytoskeletal filaments with a diameter of 25 nm. In prokaryotic organisms, microtubules are commonly found in locomotory appendages like cilia and flagella. In eukaryotic cells, microtubules form specialized extensions for moving fluid over the surface, like those found in cells lining the intestine.
Microtubules have two structurally similar globular protein subunits: α and β tubulins. In the cytosol, the α and β tubulins form a heterodimer. These αβ-heterodimers...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
07:47

Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles

Published on: May 10, 2022

Multi-talented MCAK: Microtubule depolymerizer with a strong grip.

Stefan Diez

    Nature Cell Biology
    |July 5, 2011
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Microtubule-depolymerizing kinesin-13 (MCAK) motor proteins can independently grip shrinking microtubules. This motor protein harnesses microtubule disassembly forces during chromosome segregation.

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    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 31, 2026

    Directly Measuring Forces Within Reconstituted Active Microtubule Bundles
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    Preparation of Segmented Microtubules to Study Motions Driven by the Disassembling Microtubule Ends
    12:20

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    Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
    08:49

    Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids

    Published on: June 23, 2022

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Microtubule dynamics are crucial for chromosome segregation during cell division.
    • Motor proteins regulate microtubule dynamics, but their ability to grip shrinking microtubule ends was unclear.

    Discussion:

    • This study demonstrates that the kinesin-13 motor protein, MCAK, can independently bind to microtubule ends.
    • MCAK utilizes the energy from microtubule depolymerization to generate force.

    Key Insights:

    • MCAK directly grips microtubule ends, resolving a long-standing question in cell division research.
    • This motor protein actively harnesses microtubule disassembly for mechanical work.

    Outlook:

    • Further research could explore how MCAK's gripping mechanism is regulated.
    • Understanding MCAK's function may offer insights into preventing errors in chromosome segregation.